7 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip

There was a time in my life when I was absolutely obsessed with travel life hacks. Throwing your shoes in a shower cap while packing?  Keeping jewelry untangled with straws?

On a super vain level, I think it’s because knowing the best travel hacks makes me feel like an unstoppable smartass… even if I’m the kind of person that trips over nothing and manages to create chaos out of the simplest tasks.  That said, thanks to three years of frequent travel, I’ve picked up my fair share of travel life hacks, some that are a little weird but I promise do work. This isn’t your regular list of hacks – nope. Sure, some are odd, but shhh, just embrace it.

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The Best Travel Hacks You Need to Know

1. Download Google Maps for use offline by typing in “OK Map”

One of my favourite new travel hacks – this is SUCH a lifesaver. If you have sufficient space on your phone, you can easily download Google Maps to browse offline on mobile, even when you don’t have Internet connection. All you need to do is go on the map to the area you want to save, then type “ok map” into the search and press Download.

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2. Save money on every travel booking

Ebates is a free cashback site that allows you to earn money back from most of your online purchases (almost like a partial instant refund).

Here’s how it works: Ebates is partnered with a bunch of popular online retailers (travel ones like Expedia, Agoda, etc. included!). When you click through to these retailer sites via Ebates and buy something, Ebates earns some affiliate commission, a portion of which they share with you as a cashback (deposited straight into your Paypal). In other words, you’re getting money back for shopping, which translates into instant discounts for your travel bookings.

Sign up for free here and earn cashback on your online purchases.

Canadians: sign up for Ebates.CA here.

Warning: The folks at eBates are biiiig fans of email, so be ready for that. I like getting their emails because they advertise sales/deals, but I admit they can be a bit much. To handle it, I have my Gmail filters set up so that eBates emails go into a special folder that I browse maybe once a day. Yay to no more clutter!

3. Wear compression socks to make your flights more bearable

Compression socks = less swelling and better circulation!

4. Bring a pillowcase

Never a pillow “just a case” if you’re looking to save space. Bring a pillowcase instead, so if you’re ever in an emergency situation where you need a comfy pillow, just stuff some soft clothes in that case and go to town. Likewise, you can use the pillowcase to compress clothes like a puffy jacket in order to save space in your luggage.

5. Mark your stuff as fragile

One of the sneakiest travel life hacks I’ve come across, but you’ll get your luggage first and the airline workers will be extraaa careful with your goods. Worth it!

6. Pack an empty water bottle to the airport

That way you can fill up after you pass security. No more $4 bottles of water! Woo! Alternatively, some experts swear by freezing their water so it’s not technically a liquid. I guess that could work, but then you’re kind of awkwardly just waiting for your water to melt? Just bring an empty bottle, folks.

The foldable ones are awesome for this, plus they’re better for the environment too ; )

7. Download Google Translate for use offline

If you’re travelling abroad and don’t speak the language, it’s handy to have Google Translate loaded and ready. That said, it normally does require Internet connection. Here’s a way around it: download the Google Translate app, then go to Settings and choose “Offline Translation”. From there, you can download different languages.

Bonus tip: if you want to translate signs, menus, etc. quickly, tap the camera button on your Google Translate app to translate images in real time. The first time I saw this feature in action, I realized we are (indeed) living in the future.

SO THAT'S IT PEOPLE, JUST FOLLOW THIS STEPS OR TIPS FOR YOU TO HAVE A EASY TRAVEL. THANK YOU AND GODBLES! EVERYONE ENJOY YOUR TRIP! 🙂